"I call it ‘the place where Realtors go to grow,’" said Paula Herris, president of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR) Dade South Chapter.

The Women’s Council of Realtors was founded in 1932 by a foresighted man who thought that women soon would become a major force in professional realty. Today there are more than 14,000 members in the national organization — both women and men — and more than 80 members in the Dade South Chapter. There are also chapters in the Keys, Dade North, and Broward.

The organization offers networking opportunities nationwide, mentoring, professional education, leadership training, and personal improvement classes in skills such as public speaking, presentations, and personal and professional power, etc.

"Our members are highly motivated individuals. In most cases they are the breadwinners in their family. I think they are also the creme de la creme because they have the advantage of WCR’s extensive continuing education and networking," Herris said. "That’s important, because when you’re talking with a client about spending their hard-earned money, you want to be able to give them educated and informed opinions.

"Also, the WCR’s national referral roster helps build greater personal visibility, and that’s what good referrals are based on. Our members have the opportunity to refer clients to someone they have met face-to-face at a national convention or regional seminar, and that builds confidence, both in the Realtor and in the client."

Herris herself has been a Realtor for more than 28 years, and is currently working with Leibert Associates Inc. Realtors at 12305 S. Dixie Hwy. She joined the Women’s Council of Realtors five years ago in order to give something back to the industry and to help encourage up-and-coming Realtors.

"Belonging to WCR is like having somebody behind you who’s encouraging and supporting you every step of the way," Herris explained. "Everybody around you wants you to succeed and do well."

Some of the activities the organization sponsors include monthly luncheon/lecture series with guest speakers who are working professionals in various real estate-related fields. Topics range from mortgage banking to how to "e-mail for success." Recent examples include in-depth contract analysis by an attorney and the ins and outs of investments by a certified financial planner.

There also are three major conventions each year: national, regional and statewide. Continuing education classes are held continuously throughout the year at various locations from the Keys to Broward County.

"Besides all this, we also have fun," Herris added.

For example, the WCR sponsors an annual gala fundraising dinner each October, with a fashion show and silent auction. The proceeds go to support the organization’s education fund as well as Habitat for Humanity.

The organization accepts members — female and male — who are Realtors, or who are engaged in real estate-related industries — such as mortgage bankers, attorneys, home inspectors, etc.

"We even have a member who’s a plumber," Herris said. "The only requirement for admission is an interest in improving yourself."

For more information, contact Paula Herris at 305-252-0011